5 Ways Being a Therapist Made Me an Amazing Coach
Recently I had a client ask me why I didn’t have any certificates or denotations indicating my being a certified life coach. She had a good point, my lack of certification does make me stand out a bit from other coaches and I think this could be seen as a negative thing … if you don’t know or understand my background!
As a licensed clinical psychologist with almost 20 years of therapy experience, I’d be remiss if I thought my background working with therapy clients didn’t directly impact my ability to provide amazing coaching services. In an earlier blog, you can read about the differences between therapy and life coaching. So while there are big differences between therapy and coaching, there’s a huge amount of overlap.
Therapists are natural life coaches as much of what is done in life coaching, is also done in therapy. Psychologists often call this work “soft skills,” meaning the skills aren’t tied to a specific therapeutic modality, but instead are ubiquitous in therapy. Much of what I offer to therapy clients could also fall under the coaching umbrella (mindful listening, unconditional support, behavior modification, building insight, reflection, feedback, cheerleading).
Even though I don’t have a life coaching cert, I do have several degrees and licensure indicating the level of training and experience I bring to my clients, which I think is awesome!
I thought it would be helpful to list the top 5 ways my background as a psychologist has significantly impacted my skills as a coach.
1. Deep Understanding of Mental Health Dynamics
Throughout my years as a therapist, I have developed a profound understanding of various mental health dynamics, including stress, anxiety, depression, and trauma. This deep insight allows me to recognize and address the underlying psychological factors contributing to my clients' feelings of overwhelm and burnout. While I won’t treat coaching clients, but instead refer you to a therapist who will, knowing how these experiences affect your ability to overcome perfection and burnout allows me to create a highly tailored approach to your treatment. I am well-versed in identifying thought patterns, behavioral triggers, and emotional blocks that may hinder progress which means we then have the ammunition to make effective change.
2. Proficient Communication and Active Listening Skills
As a therapist, I honed my ability to communicate effectively and engage in active listening, essential qualities that have seamlessly translated into my role as a life coach. By actively listening to my clients' concerns and experiences, I can offer them a safe space to articulate their struggles and aspirations without judgment. Additionally, my proficiency in communication allows me to convey complex concepts in a clear and empathetic manner, fostering trust and transparency within the coaching relationship.
3. Expertise in Behavior Modification and Coping Strategies
Having worked extensively with clients facing mental health challenges, I have acquired a robust toolkit of behavior modification techniques and coping strategies. These evidence-based interventions empower me to guide women toward implementing positive lifestyle changes and effective stress management practices. Drawing from my therapeutic expertise, I can offer practical solutions and personalized coping mechanisms that align with my clients' specific needs, fostering sustainable growth and resilience.
4. Holistic Approach to Well-being
My background as a therapist has instilled in me a holistic approach to well-being, emphasizing the interconnectedness of mental, emotional, and physical health. By integrating my knowledge of holistic wellness practices, such as mindfulness, self-care, and self-compassion, I can support my clients in restoring balance and vitality to their lives. This comprehensive perspective allows me to address the root causes of overwhelm and burnout while nurturing a sense of wholeness and empowerment in those I coach.
5. Empathetic and Non-judgmental Guidance
Years of therapeutic practice have deepened my capacity for empathy and cultivated a non-judgmental stance towards my clients' experiences. This compassionate approach allows me to meet women in vulnerable states with empathy and understanding, creating a conducive environment for introspection and growth. By exercising empathy and withholding judgment, I empower my clients to explore their challenges with openness and self-compassion, fostering a supportive rapport that forms the cornerstone of effective coaching relationships.
My extensive many (many) as a therapist has uniquely equipped me with the skills, insights, and empathy necessary to serve as a compassionate and effective life coach for women navigating overwhelm and burnout. The seamless integration of therapeutic principles into my coaching practice enables me to offer nuanced and personalized support, fostering transformative growth and resilience in those I have the privilege to work with. Drawing from my wealth of experience, I am committed to guiding women toward reclaiming their inner strength and leading lives filled with purpose, balance, and fulfillment!